Engine Oil
Warning!Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is
hot: you may get burned.
Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start;
danger of injury.
Loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
Recommended Oil
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for further
information.
Inspecting engine oil level
Proceed as follows:
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least five
minutes for the oil to return to the
sump.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and reinsert it fully. 5. Pull the dipstick out again and
examine the level. The level is normal if
it is between Low and Full. If it is near
or below Low, open the engine oil
cap/filler 2 and add enough oil to bring
the level to Full.
Note: Do not overfill the engine oil.
This may cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick
is positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine oil consumption
During the initial period of use the
engine oil consumption conditions
should stabilize after the first 3000 –
3500 miles (5000 – 6000 km). Engine Coolant
Warning! Turn vehicle off and disconnect the fan
motor lead before working near the radiator
cooling fan.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts
automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
You or others can be badly burned by
hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot. 07030403-121-001
Engine Compartment
1 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Engine Oil Cap
232
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Inspecting Coolant Level
Note: Changing the coolant should be
done by your authorized dealer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year, at the beginning of
the winter season, and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections
of all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are worn or
deteriorated.
Warning!Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than
the one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F (Full) and L
(Low) marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool. If it is at or near L (Low), add coolant by
mixing a minimum solution of 50%
Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate
for FIAT Spider. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are
anticipated. Bring the level to F (Full).
Please contact your authorized dealer
for assistance.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir
tank cap after adding coolant.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, contact
your authorized dealer.
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid
from the same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept between the MAX
and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with
accumulated use, a condition
associated with wear of brake and
clutch linings. If it is excessively low,
have the brake/clutch system
inspected. Contact your authorized
dealer.
Warning! Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir. 07030501-121-001
Coolant Reservoir 07030601-121-002
Brake Fluid Reservoir
233
2. Remove the drain filter while
pressing the tab. 3. Remove leaves and other matter
accumulated in the drain filter.
4. Reinstall the drain filter in the reverse
order of the removal procedure.
Note: Make sure that the drain filter is
securely attached to its designated
position by pushing it until the tab
locks. Water may enter the vehicle if the
drain filter is not secured to its
designated position. For this operation
go to an authorized dealer.
Plastic Part
Maintenance
When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, paraffin,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents.
Otherwise, these chemical agents can
discolor or damage the surfaces
resulting in a significant loss in
functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately. Caution! High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure car
washer device. If the car washer nozzle is
put too close to the vehicle or aimed at one
area for an extended period of time, it
could deform plastic parts or damage the
paint.
Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in paint
damage.
In addition, do not use an electrical or air
tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the frictional
heat generated could result in deformation
of plastic parts or paint damage.07040110123001
Drain Filter Location
1 — Drain Filter
2 — Bow 07040110124001
Drain Filter Tab
261
FLUID CAPACITIES Item Capacities
Fuel tank 11.9 (gallons)
/ 45 (liters)
Engine oil (without oil filter replacement) 3.3 (quarts) / 3.2 (liters)
Engine oil (with oil filter replacement) 4.0 (quarts) / 3.8 (liters)
Coolant (with manual transmission) 7.6 (quarts) / 7.2 (liters)
Coolant (with automatic transmission) 7.5 (quarts) / 7.1 (liters)
Manual transmission oil 2.2 (quarts) / 2.1 (liters)
Automatic transmission fluid 7.8 (quarts) / 7.5 (liters)
Rear differential oil 0.63 (quarts) / 0.6 (liters)
Limited slip differential oil 0.63 (quarts) / 0.6 (liters)
Brake fluid (& clutch fluid) 0.57 (quarts) / 0.55 (liters)
275
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS Fluids And Lubricants
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil that has been thoroughly developed and tested in order to meet the requirements of
the Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Constant use of the prescribed lubricants guarantees the fuel consumption and emission specifications. Lubricant quality is
crucial for engine operation and duration. Lubricant Specification Replacement interval
Engine oil W e
recommend you use API Certified SAE
5W-40 Full Synthetic Engine Oil, meeting the
requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS-12991. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade. According to Scheduled Servicing Plan
Coolant Mopar Long Life Coolant Concentrate for
FIAT Spider According to Scheduled Servicing Plan
Manual transmission oil Mopar Manual Transmission Long Life Gear
Oil for FIAT Spider
Automatic transmission fluid Mopar Automatic Transmission Long Life
Fluid for FIAT Spider
Rear differential oil Mopar Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil for FIAT
Spider
Limited slip differential oil Mopar Long Life Limited Slip Additive for FIAT
Spider
Brake/clutch fluid We recommend you use Mopar DOT 3. If
DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT
4 is acceptable.
If lubricants compliant with the required specifications are not available, products that comply with the minimum required
characteristics can be used for topping up; in this case optimal performance of the engine is not guaranteed.
276
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Caution!Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in
engine damage and may decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is different and should not be
mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (antifreeze). If a
non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system in an emergency, the cooling system will need to be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
277
Electronic Brake Control System
Traction Control System ..... .112
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise
Control) ................ .159
Emergency fuel filler door release . .176
Emergency Key ..............16
Emergency, In Case Of ........ .208
Hazard Warning Flasher ..... .184
Jacking ......... .203,204,237
Jump Starting ........... .217
Overheating ............ .219
Towing ............. .220,221
Emission control system .........74
Emission Control System
Maintenance ............. .110
Engine .................. .269
Exhaust Gas Caution ....... .175
Fails To Start ............ .218
Flooded, Starting ......... .218
Jump Starting ........... .217
Overheating ............ .219
Starting ............. .20,218
Engine compartment ......... .231
Engine coolant (level check) ..... .232
Engine oil (level check) ........ .232
Environment protection systems ....74
Essential information ............3
Ethanol .................. .173
Event Data Recorder ......... .145 Exhaust Gas Caution ......... .175
Exterior Lights ...............38
Flash-To-Pass ...............40
Flashers
Hazard Warning .......... .184
Turn Signal ...............41
Flooded Engine Starting ....... .218
Fluid And Lubricants ......... .276
Fluid Capacities ............ .275
Fog Lights ..................41
Follow Me Home .............40
Front lights (light bulbs) ........
.187
Fr
ont Wipers
Wiper Operation ...........42
Fuel
Additives .............. .174
Clean Air .............. .173
Ethanol ............... .173
Materials Added .......... .174
Methanol .............. .173
Fuel Consumption Display ........85
Fuel Economy Monitor ..........84
Fuel filler cap .............. .175
Fuel filler door .............. .175
Fuse block (engine compartment) . .197
Fuse block (interior) .......... .201
Fuses (interior) ............. .195
Fuses (underhood) ........... .196 Gasoline, Clean Air .......... .173
Gasoline, Reformulated ....... .173
Gear selector positions ........ .154
GVWR .................. .176
Hazard Warning Flasher ....... .184
Hazardous driving ........... .178
Head Restraints ..............34
Headlight ..................38
Headlights
Adjusting The Headlight Abroad .......................42
High Beam ...............40
Passing .................40
Heavy-duty use of the vehicle
(scheduled servicing) ....... .225
HomeLink (Garage Door Opener) . . .58
Hood Release ...............68
How to use this manual ..........3
Identification Data ........... .266
Inside Rearview Mirror ..........36
Instrument Cluster Display
Information Display ....... .76,77
Interior Lights ................62
Interiors ................. .262
Internal Equipment ............60
Jack Location .............. .203
Jack Operation ....... .203,204,237
Jump Starting .............. .217